A Compact Multi-FX That Finally Breaks Free
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Valeton for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Valeton has steadily refined its compact multi-effects lineup, and the GP-50 represents the most mature expression of that philosophy so far. Where the GP-5 proved that serious tone could live in an ultra-small, app-driven pedal, the GP-50 takes that foundation and removes many of the practical limitations that came with extreme minimalism.
Rather than reinventing the platform, Valeton focused on expanding control, connectivity, and independence from external devices. The result is a pedal that still feels portable and modern, but far more capable as a standalone unit—especially for players who want flexibility without committing to a full-sized floorboard.
TL;DR
The Valeton GP-50 is a refined evolution of the GP-5, offering onboard editing, dual footswitch control, expanded I/O, and a rechargeable internal battery. It maintains the strong modeling and IR support Valeton is known for, while dramatically improving usability for rehearsal and live performance. While still compact, it feels far less constrained than its predecessor and works equally well with or without the companion app. For players who liked the GP-5’s sound but wanted more hands-on control, the GP-50 delivers exactly that.
Design & Portability
The GP-50 retains Valeton’s compact design language but feels noticeably more “stage-ready” than the GP-5. The metal chassis is solid and confidence-inspiring, and despite the added controls and connections, the pedal remains lightweight and easy to transport.
One of the biggest upgrades is the internal rechargeable battery, which preserves the grab-and-go appeal of the GP-5 while supporting longer sessions and more demanding use cases. Whether you’re practicing, rehearsing, or running a small fly-rig, the GP-50 can operate completely untethered from external power if needed.
It still slips easily into a gig bag—but now it feels like something you could rely on as your primary rig, not just a backup or practice tool.
Interface & Editing
This is where the GP-50 most clearly separates itself from the GP-5.
Unlike its predecessor, the GP-50 allows full onboard editing directly from the pedal. Amp parameters, effects, signal chain adjustments, and general patch tweaks can all be handled without reaching for a phone or tablet. The screen and control layout make navigation intuitive, and the editing experience feels fast and practical rather than compromised.
The Valeton app is still available and remains useful for deeper organization and visual editing, but it’s no longer mandatory. This change alone dramatically improves the GP-50’s usability for live settings, rehearsals, and quick adjustments on the fly.
In short: the GP-50 finally feels self-contained.
Tone & Effects
Sonically, the GP-50 builds on the same strengths established by the GP-5. Amp models are responsive and musical, drives feel natural, and modulation, delay, and reverb effects all perform at a high level for a compact multi-FX unit.
IR loading is once again a standout feature, allowing players to fine-tune cabinet response and tailor the pedal for both guitar and bass applications. With good IRs, the GP-50 delivers polished, mix-ready tones that easily exceed expectations for its size.
Overall, the sound quality remains consistent with Valeton’s recent offerings—impressive, flexible, and entirely usable in real-world scenarios.
Dual Footswitch Control
The addition of a second footswitch fundamentally changes how the GP-50 feels underfoot.
Where the GP-5 often required MIDI expansion to unlock its full potential, the GP-50 is far more capable on its own. The dual switches allow for preset navigation, effect toggling, tap tempo, and other assignable functions directly from the pedal. This makes it significantly more practical for live use without any external controllers.
MIDI support is still present for players who want even more control, but crucially, it’s no longer a necessity. The GP-50 feels complete right out of the box.
Input / Output Options
Another major leap forward is connectivity.
The GP-50 offers expanded input and output options, making it far more adaptable to different rigs and recording setups. Whether you’re running into an amp, an audio interface, FRFR speakers, or directly to a PA, the GP-50 integrates cleanly and easily.
USB audio functionality allows it to double as a recording interface, and combined with IR support, it works well for silent practice and direct recording without additional gear.
This flexibility makes the GP-50 suitable for bedroom players, gigging musicians, and content creators alike.
Built-In Tools
The GP-50 includes a reliable tuner, USB audio interface capabilities, IR loading, and practice-friendly features that round out the package nicely. The internal battery further enhances its usefulness as a self-contained practice and travel solution.
While it doesn’t try to replace a full workstation-style processor, the GP-50 strikes a strong balance between compact design and practical feature depth.
Q&A
Is the GP-50 viable for live use?
Yes. The dual footswitches, onboard editing, and expanded I/O make it far more stage-friendly than the GP-5, even without external MIDI controllers.
Do I still need the app?
No. The app is optional. All essential sound creation and editing can be done directly on the pedal.
How does it compare to the GP-5?
The GP-50 keeps the GP-5’s tone quality but removes many of its limitations. It offers better control, more connectivity, and greater independence, making it a clear step forward.
Conclusion
The Valeton GP-50 feels like the pedal the GP-5 was always leading toward. By adding onboard editing, dual footswitches, expanded I/O, and a rechargeable battery, Valeton transformed an excellent compact multi-FX into a genuinely versatile performance tool.
It maintains the portability and strong tones that made the GP-5 appealing, while significantly improving usability for rehearsals and live gigs. For players who loved the GP-5 but wanted more control—and for anyone seeking a compact yet capable all-in-one solution—the GP-50 stands out as a smart, well-executed evolution.
If you liked this gear, make sure to also check:
- Joyo Scylla Compressor – Smooth compression for consistent, punchy bass tone.
- Valeton GP-5 Multi Effects – Surprisingly powerful mini multi effects pedal.
- Joyo Tidal Wave – Vintage preamp based on the Sansamp circuit.
- Joyo Monomyth Bass Preamp – Versatile preamp with EQ shaping and DI output.
- Joyo Double Thruster – Dual-drive section for layered grit and boost.
- Flamma Innovation FB200: Feature packed effects strip for bass.
- M-VAVE Cube Baby Bass: Pocket Size Rig for Practice and Portability
